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1997/98

AUSSIE TITLES MEDAL WINNER

Our club's Masters Ladies Champion, Terri Kolb, was our first Gold medal winner at the Australian Titles, winning the Ironwoman 35-39 years.

This season was one of achievement in more ways than one. The Junior Actities section grew to an all time high with 110 Nippers plus 12 in the under 7s division, under the Chairmanship of Tony Frost. The McDonalds Encouragement Award went to Finnian Power. Nipper David Harrold won Bronze in the Under 11 Beach Flag event at State Championships. Two of our juniors of whom the club is particularly proud received the "Heroes of the Surf" award from Surf Life Saving Australia for rescuing two Japanese tourists from a potentially fatal situation - Meredith Saunders and Jemma Lenton were the heroes of the year.

RECONSTRUCTION OF CLUBHOUSE

Throughout the season the Management Committee were working towards establishing a building fund to achieve the final stage of the reconstruction. Offering his valuable services to the club free of charge, Maurice Hurst again was assigned the task of designing the new building. His goal was to utilize the full potential of the clubhouse's unique location, overlooking the ocean and adjacent to Ed Webb Park.

Having secured a substantial loan the Committee were able to give the go ahead for the work to begin.

The next few weeks were a challenge for the permanent staff, working under totally chaotic conditions while the old building was being torn down, and new one being built around it. The administration office downstairs had jackhammers tearing away at the floor above for hours a day for the first few weeks!

It had been planned that the renovations would take place without having to close the club's facilities - resulting in a somewhat dusty bar at times, and a very 'shaky' administration office!

NEW SURF BOAT - "MARJORIE TRIPP"

During this time we were fortunate to take possession of a new surf boat, named in honour of the late Marjorie Tripp, and our Masters Crew winning Gold at the State Championships. The 3-Way Carnival was a huge success, with Sunshine Beach SLSC retaining the Shire Cup.

We were able to purchase two new Johnson outboard motors for the IRBs for training purposes, in readiness for the Branch IRB Titles, to be held at Sunshine the following year.

GLENN (PUCK) PUCKERIDGE

Glenn was honoured at the Annual General Meeting of 1997/98 by receiving Life Membership, granted for his outstanding service and contributions to the club. Puck remains an active lifesaver, after first patrolling the beach in 1983. Puck is also the longest serving staff member of the Club, having commenced part-time duties in 1984, then being appointed Bar Manager (full-time) in 1985. He held this position until he was promoted to Sponsorship and Special Events Manger in 2000.

RE-OPENING OF CLUBHOUSE

This year was one of rejuvenation and renewal for Sunshine Beach SLSC. The season started amidst the frantic activity of massive clubhouse renovations that were completed in November 1998. The renovations were an enormous success and provided us with a venue that will meet our needs for many years to come.

From almost every position within the club, the ever changing moods of the Pacific Ocean can be seen overlooking the landscaping and manicured lawns bordering the property.

It really was a highlight of the year having our member Evonne Goolagong-Cawley A.O., MBE, assisted by former Club President Len Burgess, officially re-open the clubhouse on the 14th November 1998. A commemorative plaque is a feature of our new garden overlooking the ocean.

Activity in all areas of he club, especially patrols, was the strongest this season that it has ever been. This is in spite of the fact that since Christmas, beach conditions at sunshine were the worst remembered. The renovated clubhouse rejuvenated the interest of long term members and at the same time attracted new ones.

BRANCH IRB TITLES AT SUNSHINE BEACH

The Club hosted the Branch IRB Titles this season, which were a huge success, and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended - competitors, officials and spectators alike.

THE 'BRONZE WHALER'

The Club's monthly newsletter "The Bronze Whaler" has proven a very effective means of communication for our active members, keeping them informed of all aspects of surf life saving and club activities. The first edition came off the press in August 1996 and has continued to be a reliable source of information for actives.

APPOINTMENT OF CLUB MANAGER

The appointment of Scott Braby as Club Manager in late 1998 has brought added professionalism to the day to day operations of the club. With Scott's vision for the future, the club is assured of many successful years ahead.

1999/2000

SECRETARY/ADMINISTRATOR RETIRES

Secretary/Administrator Len Giddings retired on 2nd July after the Annual General Meeting. Len completed 10 years of service to the Club as Secretary, and since 1994 had held the position of Administrator of the Supporters Association. In all he attended 186 Executive Meetings, having missed only 3 because of annual leave, and 2 due to illness. Len was honoured with Life Membership, along with Ross Bartlett, one of surf life saving's most awarded recipients.

Season 1999/2000 has been one of consolidation. There has been a good retention rate of new Bronze holders and many junior members graduating to the senior ranks.

Activity in all areas of the club has again been strong, and we have a solid core of enthusiastic members who will continue to contribute for many years to come.

Our Nippers have continued their success, but not without some difficulties. The constant carnival commitments throughout January and February eroded our person power for Sunday beach activities. However with careful planning and a few more willing parents, we can rectify this matter. A season highlight was hosting and winning the annual Two-Way Carnival with Coolum Nippers. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were won at Branch Championships and Gold at State Championships. The McDonalds Encouragement Award went to Tim Murphy.

Our senior competitors excelled themselves this season, with a host of great results, ensuring that people again took notice of Sunshine Beach SLSC. Our ladies boat crew, masters boat crew and the two reserve men's boat crews deserve our congratulations.

It is quite obvious that this is the best season yet for our Youth and Cadet section, with a total of 25 young adults participating in the club activities.

Not only has this year been successful in the training area, the acquisition of new competition, gymnasium and patrol equipment has seen our facilities improve at a more than satisfactory rate. Further upgrades are planned and will happen in the near future. Financially the club continues to be sound, with trading in excess for the first time in our history - to the tune of $1,100,000. It is expected that this record will be broken by the next annual Auditors report.

2000/2001

The 20th season of Sunshine Beach SLSC and the eighth of Nippers at Sunshine Beach.

JUNIOR ACTIVITIES

Tony Frost stepped aside from his involvement with the Nippers from day one, having been Secretary for the first three and Chairman for four seasons.

Through Russell Green's Chairmanship, a strong focus was placed on carnival competition, with 19 members qualifying for the State Championships at Currumbin.

Sunshine Beach finished in 13th place out of 57 competing clubs. Gold medals went to our Under 11 Beach Relay team and Bernadette Mackay in the Under 11 Girls Beach Sprint. Aiden Campbell and Michael Harrold placed 3rd in the Under 11 Board Rescue.

Sunshine Beach fielded its first ever Rescue and Resuscitation teams, placing 2nd and 3rd in the Branch championships.

The McDonalds Encouragement Award went to Jessica Puckeridge and Biance Couchman.

Our restaurant, "Spinnakers at Sunshine Beach" was recently awarded Best Club Restaurant on the Sunshine Coast and serves more than 1500 meals weekly during the summer season.

A special 20 Year Committee was formed to help organise the celebrations for this momentous year - which culminated over the Queen's Birthday weekend in June 2001.

CLUBHOUSE SERVICE - MAINTENANCE

Mention must be made of the many volunteers who have kept the surrounding Club gardens so attractive over the years. Almost every Committee member has cut the lawns at some stage, planted shrubs and trees and created floral displays in the springtime.

One person in particular who has given his support and tireless efforts in keeping the Club grounds immaculate is Jack Hawker.

In recognition of his ongoing involvement with maintenance of the Clubhouse and grounds, Jack has won the Club Service award five times.

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